crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
1) I have never heard of a LDS requiring ALL your own gear, not that yours doesn't.
2) I just spent $400 on my BC, I don't think $1000 is going to go very far for good gear.
3) You say that you THINK lobster hunting would be a blast. Rent until you know that this what you want to do. I know several people that have said that they thought SCUBA would be awesome, and then hated it.
4) There is also the issue of buying online. If you need a quick fix then your LDS is probably not going to take care of it if they don't carry that line. If they do repair it they might stick it to you since you didn't buy it from them.
Personally I think that you are wanting to get certified for the wrong reasons. I don't blame you for wanting the extra money from work but that doesn't mean that you have to have your own gear. Rent and make sure this is what you want.
2) I just spent $400 on my BC, I don't think $1000 is going to go very far for good gear.
3) You say that you THINK lobster hunting would be a blast. Rent until you know that this what you want to do. I know several people that have said that they thought SCUBA would be awesome, and then hated it.
4) There is also the issue of buying online. If you need a quick fix then your LDS is probably not going to take care of it if they don't carry that line. If they do repair it they might stick it to you since you didn't buy it from them.
Personally I think that you are wanting to get certified for the wrong reasons. I don't blame you for wanting the extra money from work but that doesn't mean that you have to have your own gear. Rent and make sure this is what you want.